Rethinking Refugees as Assets

News provided by ACH on Wednesday 1st Feb 2017

Presentations and discussions will cover the untapped economic potential of the refugee asset within the region, and how to rethink refugees as assets

The past two years have been tumultuous ones, with unprecedented numbers of refugees entering the region, further austerity measures and the Brexit vote. With further arrivals from Syria expected soon a way ahead is needed.

On Monday 13th February Ashley Community Housing are holding a Rethinking Refugee Conference at The Birmingham Repertory Theatre. At this Conference they will share their experience of refugee resettlement and reintegration. Presentations and discussions will cover the untapped economic potential of the refugee asset within the region, and how to rethink refugees as assets rather than liabilities.

Warm words are not enough. Practical actions are needed here in Birmingham now. Ashley Community Housing has been working in refugee resettlement since 2008, with a Birmingham team in place since 2012, and believe their combination of understanding, experience and technical knowledge allows them to make a unique contribution.

Some of the points addressed will be:

• Shifting the focus from a humanitarian one to seeing refugees as assets.

• How to deliver 'Collective Impact'.

• The economic impact of migrant entrepreneurs.

By attempting to understand the best ways to resettle refugees the aim is to generate new ideas which can turn current humanitarian challenges into sustainable opportunities.